If you're like many investors, your portfolio contains bonds. When you purchased those investments, you may not have given much thought to whether you'd be able to sell them when you want to. FINRA is issuing this alert to educate investors about bond liquidity, and the potential for decreased liquidity and investment losses for those who sell their bonds before maturity at a time of market stress.

FINRA is issuing this alert to inform brokerage account holders, family members and other beneficiaries about the value of preparing for the inevitable, and the general process firms follow when an account holder passes away. We also provide tips for making the transfer process as efficient and trouble-free as possible for account holders and also for heirs and beneficiaries.

A range of programs and lawsuit settlements have resulted in new money coming into Indian Country. If you are a recipient or potential recipient of this new money, you may have questions about how to manage and invest the assets, and how to select and work with an investment professional. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and First Nations Development Institute teamed up to develop the following tips to help you confidently manage this new money, as well as avoid financial fraud.

Information technology (IT) plays a critical role in the securities industry. Unfortunately, cyber threats to the information and computer systems of brokerage firms are increasing, and with these threats comes the risk of potential harm to investors.

New technology such as electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigarettes, can give rise to legitimate investment opportunities. But sometimes it opens the door to fraud. FINRA is issuing this Alert to warn investors to be wary of aggressive promotions touting stocks that claim to capitalize on various aspects of the e-cigarette and vaporizer, or "vape," market.

Precious metals are notorious for price movements that can pique investor interest during upswings and downswings alike. If you are thinking that now is the time to invest in physical precious metals such as silver, gold or maybe palladium or platinum, be aware of the risks involved. They include the potential for high-pressure sales tactics and even fraud.

Investors frequently get invited to free seminars that promise to educate them about investing strategies or managing money in retirement—often with an expensive meal provided at no cost. But just because someone buys you breakfast, lunch or dinner doesn't mean you have to buy what they are saying—or selling.

"Frontier funds" that invest in securities of companies in countries with developing securities markets—like Argentina, Lebanon, Nigeria, Slovenia and Vietnam—are gaining investor attention. Some see investing in frontier funds as a way to diversify assets—going beyond funds that invest in established international and other more developed emerging markets. Frontier funds are also sparking the interest of some investors who are lured predominantly by potential gains.

Keep your portfolio quarantined from potential viral disease investment scams. If history is a guide, dramatic news coverage of viral outbreaks, including Ebola and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), will likely catch the interest of stock scammers looking to capitalize on fears of a potential pandemic. Don't fall for the hype.

FINRA is issuing this Alert to warn investors to be wary of promotions touting stocks that claim to protect against the spread of viruses or other harmful diseases. Aggressive stock promotional tactics may signal a potentially fraudulent scheme.

FINRA is reissuing this alert on the heels of its disciplinary action related to the fraudulent sale of promissory notes to NFL and NBA players. The alert details the risks associated with promissory notes and the continued threat of promissory note schemes whose sole objective is to defraud investors.

In early January 2014, new laws regarding the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes went into effect in a number of states. We are reissuing this alert to warn investors about the potential for fraud in this arena, and to reiterate the risks of investing in thinly traded companies about which little is known. Any so-called "hot" stock can burn your portfolio.

Beware of promotions about certificates of deposit (CDs) promising interest rates that are substantially higher than current averages. FINRA has observed offers for “low-risk” products with outsized returns. Investors should be wary of unsolicited emails and calls that offer outsized interest from financial institutions, including banks and brokerage firms, particularly those with which you have not had a business relationship.

FINRA is issuing this alert to caution investors that buying and using digital currency such as Bitcoin carry risks. Speculative trading in bitcoins carries significant risk. There is also the risk of fraud related to companies claiming to offer Bitcoin payment platforms and other Bitcoin-related products and services.

Whether you work with a broker or adviser or you trade on your own, you should always monitor your investments. By keeping an eye on your investments, you can prevent minor mistakes from turning into big problems.

With the unemployment rate slowly falling, many Americans are facing a healthier job market and trying to get their financial lives back on track. Drawing on the findings of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s National Financial Capability Study of more than 25,000 Americans, the FINRA Foundation has developed five tips to help consumers both manage their day-to-day financial challenges and build a brighter financial future in 2014.

If you are considering rolling over money from an employer plan into an IRA—or if you have been in contact with a financial professional to do so—follow these tips to decide whether an IRA rollover is right for you.

With investor purchases of securities "on margin" averaging more than $406 billion for the first nine months of 2013 (a 27 percent increase over the same period last year), we are re-issuing this alert because we are concerned that many investors may underestimate the risks of trading on margin and misunderstand the operation and reason for margin calls.

Where there is uncertainty, there are always bets-the question is who wins. From horse racing to the price of gold, people have always speculated on uncertainty. FINRA is issuing this alert to inform investors about event-linked securities-financial instruments that allow investors to speculate on a variety of events, including catastrophes such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics.

Closed-end funds have become popular products because some offer high distribution rates—as high as 6 percent or more. But be aware that a fund’s distribution rate is not the same thing as its return—even if the numbers might look similar. And before you invest, be sure you understand where the closed-end fund is getting the money to pay distributions. In some cases, part of the distribution comes from the return of principal.

One of the most important consumer tips is know what you are buying. This maxim certainly applies to investing in stocks. There are well over 20,000 companies whose shares trade either on a U.S. exchange or over-the-counter. FINRA is issuing this Alert to caution investors that, with so many companies and trading symbols, there is ample room for confusion—and good reason to carefully research any investment before making a purchase.

Private placement offerings can be a key source of capital for American businesses. But investing in private placements is risky and can tie up your money for a long time. As with other investments, you can also lose some or all of your money.